Leq (said “L E Q”) stands for Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure Level, and is one of the most important sound level metrics. It’s nice because it boils a sound level measurement down to one decibel level number. The Leq represents the total sound energy logged over the course of a measurement.

Since the Leq corresponds with the total sound energy, it is a useful way to predict hearing damage threats as well potential noise complaints. As a result, the Leq is ...